Wind Growth Continues in Michigan’s Thumb

Despite a current moratorium on new wind energy projects, Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. Has entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc. for 114 megawatts (MW) of wind energy and associated renewable energy credits in the Thumb of Michigan.

The wind power will be sourced from the Deerfield Wind Energy project, which is located in Huron County, Michigan. The project, located on approximately 20,000 acres in the townships of Huron, Bloomfield, Dwight, and Lincoln, will provide up to 200 jobs during the peak of construction and up to six permanent jobs once construction is completed. Currently more than 220 local landowners are participating in Deerfield Wind Energy.

About 220 landowners have leased 24,380 acres of land to RES Americas for its Deerfield Wind project. Thirty-five turbines are planned for Dwight Township, 25 for self-zoned Huron Township, 11 in Bloomfield and one in Lincoln. Project areas were deemed suitable for wind development in 2011.

Seventy-two Vestas turbines would contribute 150 megawatts, which the developer says is enough to power 50,000 to 60,000 homes. Cadillac-based Wolverine Power Cooperative is the power purchaser. Turbines planned for the project reach 492 feet from ground to blade tip.

RES Americas developed and will construct the project and Wolverine, which is owned by and supplies wholesale electric power to seven members, will be the recipient of the 114 MW of electricity generated by the project. Deerfield Wind Energy is scheduled to reach commercial operation by December 31, 2016.